canon

noun

ˈka-nən How to pronounce canon (audio)
Definition of canonnext
1
as in doctrine
a statement or body of statements concerning faith or morals proclaimed by a church members of the church must abide by its canons

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in list
a record of a series of items (as names or titles) usually arranged according to some system the canon of plays that are attributed to William Shakespeare

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in law
a collection or system of rules of conduct the ABA Model Code of Professional Responsibility is a lawyer's canon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word canon distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of canon are law, ordinance, precept, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

When might law be a better fit than canon?

While in some cases nearly identical to canon, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

When is it sensible to use ordinance instead of canon?

The meanings of ordinance and canon largely overlap; however, ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

When can precept be used instead of canon?

The synonyms precept and canon are sometimes interchangeable, but precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

In what contexts can regulation take the place of canon?

Although the words regulation and canon have much in common, regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When would rule be a good substitute for canon?

In some situations, the words rule and canon are roughly equivalent. However, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When could statute be used to replace canon?

While the synonyms statute and canon are close in meaning, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of canon The actual plot will be Destiny canon and will not be some actual universe crossover like the Death Star shows up to blow up Neomuna (though I would not be opposed to that). —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 This wasn't originally in the script because Tony Gilroy thought the line had originated somewhere else in canon. —EW.com, 9 May 2025 Agartha, which is big in the occultist canon, refers to the belief in a legendary society within the Earth’s core. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2025 But these moments in canon that are like these tentpoles for us are usually pretty challenging, in order to wrap all of our stories around that. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for canon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
  1. doctrine
  2. list
  3. law
  4. theology
  5. listing
  6. constitution
Noun
  • Shoigu, who was replaced as defense minister in 2024 after holding the position for 12 years, cited amendments made to Russia's nuclear doctrine in November.
    — Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
  • Together, their strengths offer a model for a pope who can shepherd with both mind and heart — faithful to doctrine and fearless in love.
    — Case Thorp, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Definition of doctrine
Noun
  • Read on for the full list of winners at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • Death row pastor finds honor in loving condemned The Nobel Foundation says 338 candidates have been nominated for the 2025 prize, though the list of nominees won't be made public for 50 years.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 26 May 2025
Definition of list
Noun
  • Asian Americans’ outrage over a judge’s leniency in the case — the assailants received $3,000 fines and no jail time — sparked a surge of activism seeking tougher hate crime laws nationwide.
    — Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 31 May 2025
  • Earlier this month, Attorney General Todd Rokita sent a letter to the University of Notre Dame claiming its DEI policies may violate state and federal law.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Over time, anyone who really questioned the theology of Biden was eventually kicked out, and the only people remaining in that inner circle are the truest of true believers.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 20 May 2025
  • And like any theology, skepticism was not permitted.
    — Scott Detrow, NPR, 19 May 2025
Definition of theology
Noun
  • Ponder is being held in the Jackson County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond, according to the jail’s inmate listing.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
  • The Geekbench listing also suggests Project Moohan runs Android 14, suggesting this is the kernel used in the first version of Android XR.
    — Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of listing
Noun
  • The constitution of the baseball had become a paramount topic in the sport as home runs kept flying out of stadiums all October.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • This lamentable record is spurring calls to amend the constitution from the current single five-year term to two terms, as well as perhaps holding parliamentary elections at the same time as presidential to avoid the executive and legislature being constantly at odds with each other.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025
Definition of constitution

Browse Nearby Words

canoes
canon
canonical
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Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on canon

Nglish: Translation of canon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about canon

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